As a pet parent, keeping your home and garden safe for your pet is super important. Out of curiosity or playfulness, dogs and cats may be tempted to nibble on indoor plants. Some plants are harmless and some are so toxic that can cause serious health issues to your fur baby. There are many pet friendly indoor and outdoor plants that can brighten up your home and purify the air.
Here is the list of pet friendly indoor and outdoor plants for your home.
Pet friendly indoor plants
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
The spider plant is non-toxic to pets. It is known for its air-purifying properties. It’s also low-maintenance and grows well in indirect sunlight and is great for hanging baskets.
Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Boston ferns are non-toxic to pets and add a fresh, vibrant look to any space. They love humidity and indirect light, making them great for bathrooms.
Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
This elegant, slow-growing plant is perfect for indoor spaces and safe for pets. It requires minimal care and prefers low to moderate light.
African Violet (Saintpaulia)
African violets produce beautiful, colorful flowers and are completely safe for pets. They thrive in bright, indirect light and should be watered from the bottom to keep their leaves dry.
Calathea (Calathea spp.)
With their striking foliage, Calatheas are pet-safe and easy to maintain indoors. They thrive in indirect light and need consistent moisture.
Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
The cast iron plant is a tough, low-maintenance plant that is safe for dogs. It thrives in low to bright indirect light and can tolerate neglect, making it a great choice for busy pet parents.
Phalaenopsis Orchid (Moth Orchid)
Moth orchids are elegant, pet-safe flowers that add a touch of beauty to any space. They thrive in bright, indirect light and require occasional watering, making them easy to care for.
Money Plant (Pachira aquatica)
Also known as the money tree, this pet-safe plant is believed to bring good luck and prosperity. It thrives in bright, indirect light and needs moderate watering, making it a low-maintenance choice for pet-friendly homes.
Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya)
The polka dot plant is a vibrant, pet-safe plant known for its colorful, spotted leaves. It thrives in bright, indirect light and requires regular watering to keep the soil moist.
Peperomia (Peperomia spp.)
Peperomia plants are pet-safe and come in a variety of leaf shapes and colors, adding charm to any space. They thrive in bright, indirect light and need minimal watering, making them easy to care for.
Pet friendly outdoor plants
Marigolds (Tagetes spp.)
Bright and cheerful, marigolds are safe for dogs and can help repel insects in your garden. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil.
Roses (Rosa spp.)
Classic and beautiful, roses are safe for dogs. However, watch out for thorns that could cause minor injuries.
Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
Not only is basil safe for dogs, but it’s also a great herb to have for cooking. It thrives in warm weather with plenty of sunlight.
Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus)
These colorful flowers are completely non-toxic to dogs and add charm to your garden. They grow well in both full sun and partial shade.
Bottlebrush (Callistemon spp.)
Bottlebrush plants produce bright, colorful flowers that are safe for dogs. They thrive in full sun and require well-draining soil, making them a great addition to any pet-friendly garden.
Canna Lilies (Canna spp.)
Canna lilies add a tropical touch to gardens with their vibrant flowers. These dog-safe plants grow best in full sun and moist soil, providing a bold and colorful display.
Crepe Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica)
Crepe myrtles are known for their beautiful clusters of flowers and are non-toxic to dogs. They thrive in full sun and well-draining soil, adding elegance to any landscape.
Forsythia (Forsythia spp.)
Forsythia is an early bloomer with bright yellow flowers that are safe for dogs. It grows well in full sun and well-draining soil, bringing a burst of color to your garden.
Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)
Sunflowers are tall, cheerful flowers that are completely safe for dogs. They thrive in full sun and well-draining soil, making them an easy and eye-catching addition to any garden.
Tips for keeping plants and pets safe
- Place plants out of reach: Even non-toxic plants can cause digestive upset if chewed in large quantities, and some pets may dig in pots or knock them over.
- Use heavy pots: Prevents tipping and accidental messes.
- Regularly trim plants: Keeps them less tempting and manageable.
- Create a dedicated plant area: Use shelves, plant stands, or closed rooms to separate plants from curious pets.
- Check for allergies: Some pets may have sensitivities even to non-toxic plants.
Plants that are toxic for pets
While focusing on pet-safe options, it’s crucial to know which common plants pose serious risks:
Highly toxic indoor plants
- Lilies (especially Easter, Tiger, and Asiatic lilies – deadly to cats)
- Sago Palm (extremely toxic to both dogs and cats)
- Oleander (all parts are poisonous)
- Azaleas and Rhododendrons
- Cyclamen
- Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane)
- Philodendron
- Pothos
Toxic outdoor plants
- Foxglove
- Castor Bean
- Yew
- Tulip and Daffodil bulbs
- Hydrangea
- Morning Glory
- Wisteria
Why choosing pet-safe plants matters
Dogs and cats explore with their mouths. Chewing or ingesting toxic plants can cause symptoms ranging from mild drooling and vomiting to severe organ failure. Even if your pet doesn’t usually chew on greenery, it’s safer to avoid any risk by choosing non-toxic plants.
Benefits of these pet friendly plants
Choosing pet-safe plants doesn’t mean compromising on beauty or benefits. These plants offer numerous advantages:
Air purification: Many pet-safe plants are excellent air purifiers, removing toxins and improving indoor air quality for both you and your pets.
Stress reduction: Studies show that both humans and pets benefit from the calming presence of plants. The act of caring for plants can be therapeutic, and pets often enjoy the enriched environment.
Educational opportunities: Pet-safe gardens provide opportunities to teach children about plant care and safety while ensuring family pets remain protected.
Wildlife support: Many pet-safe plants attract beneficial wildlife like birds and butterflies, creating a more diverse and interesting environment for pets to observe and enjoy.